Bangkok, Thailand, 10–15 January Yangon, Burma 15–17 January Considering the flight from Bangkok to Yangon took barely an hour, it was quite an eventful journey. After we boarded, a very rosy-cheeked, chubby, 40-something man got on and sat on our row in the aisle seat next to C. By way of introduction, he offered C his hand and said very loudly: “British, are you?” Without waiting for an answer, he then leaned over C and addressed me in a conspiratorial fashion. “Now, you know what would be great?” he said in a creepy and very patronising way, “If I could sit in that seat,” points to my seat, “when we land.” Without missing a beat, he then continued, very self-importantly. “See, I’m a journalist.” He placed great emphasis on the last word and then sat back ... read more

Phnom Penh, 31 December–7 January On New Year's Day we had a lie-in and then wandered down to town along the riverside for brunch. On the way we passed an extremely hungover man, who was laid precariously and somewhat inexplicably on the wall above the river. I'm thinking he had had a heavy New Year's celebration. It was tempting to wake him up to stop him falling off the wall into the river but it was even more tempting to stop and take photos. So that's what we did. We headed to Friends for brunch. The philanthropy scene is big in Cambodia and the city is full of hippy, do-good types who are involved all sorts of humanitarian activities. Friends is a big name on the philanthropy scene; it's a restaurant with a fantastic concept behind ... read more

Ko(h) Samui, 8-27 December Let's play a game. Imagine the most tranquil place on earth. Perhaps it is a tropical island, a place where palm trees sway in the breeze and pose lazily against the white sands. A place where everybody is so happy and relaxed that the mundanity of everyday life is quickly forgotten and replaced with pure and simple relaxation. Perhaps there is fresh fruit and exotic food in abundance, all whipped up in seconds without you even having to step foot off the beach. Maybe there's even a cocktail list populated with drinks that contain every fruit you can think of (papaya margarita, anyone?) Perhaps there are hidden corners of the island with lush tropical foliage that remains untouched and where it seems no one else on earth has ever stepped. Where the ... read more

I am in love. This city is intoxicating. I have dreamt of coming to Vietnam for so long – it has always been a place that has fascinated me – and from day one, when we landed in Ho Chi Minh City, it has not just met my dreams but blown them out of all tangible proportions. Having gone from the familiarity of London to the stagnancy of Dubai to the mesmerising streets of Vietnam within less than 48 hours, words are not entirely my strong point but I am truly dazzled. As soon we got there, we walked through the city streets just looking at everything. There is just so much to look at, to take in, so much going on. The colours, the noise, the constant hooting of car and bike horns, the incredible ... read more